Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida (ABC) Chief Lobbyist Carol Bowen released the following statement regarding CRC Proposal 23.
“As the voice of commercial construction in Florida, Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida is opposing a proposed constitutional amendment—CRC Proposal 23—that would harm Florida’s businesses and negatively impact Floridians.
“The broad and vague language of this proposal would open Florida’s construction industry up to countless frivolous lawsuits—regardless of compliance with existing laws or valid permits—and seriously harm development in our state. Challenges would be brought—potentially even by non-Floridians or business competitors—just to obstruct or delay legal activities, assuring prolonged uncertainty and creating judicial gridlock.
“Thoughtfully crafted and thoroughly debated environmental protections are already included in Florida’s constitution, and our state’s laws provide various ways to address concerns over air and water quality when needed. This proposal is simply unnecessary and would cause more problems than it would solve.”
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Florida’s Congressional and Military Leaders to Convene with Defense and Aerospace Industries at Upcoming Expo in Orlando
Top officials and thought leaders from the U.S. defense and aerospace industries and the Florida companies that serve them will gather here this winter when the Florida Defense Contractors Association (FDCA) hosts the sixth annual Florida Defense Expo. Providing attendees with educational sessions, industry networking and business development opportunities, the Expo will take place Feb. 20 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando.
The Expo brings together U.S. military, Department of Defense, Homeland Security and organizations serving the nation’s defense with businesses dedicated to providing high quality, safe and innovative products and services to its warfighters. Federal, state and local leaders also will be on-hand.
“The Expo is a fantastic opportunity for attendees to learn more about the Florida defense and aerospace industry, its strategic role in America’s national security mission and how it helps grow the economy and create jobs,” said Gene Moran, FDCA Executive Director. “For the sixth year in a row, companies large and small will be gathered under one roof to tell our state’s defense story.”
Confirmed Expo speakers include: U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (FL 25th District); U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist (FL 13th District); Chester Kennedy, CEO, International Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Research; Bruce Grant, Vice President, Military & Defense Programs, Enterprise Florida, Inc.; and other leaders in the Florida defense and aerospace industry. The Expo also will include a trade show representing small and emerging companies as well as global top-100 firms and the organizations that help support them.
“FDCA is uniquely positioned to lead a statewide business network on behalf of Florida defense contractors,” said FDCA Chair Noel McCormick, President of McCormick Stevenson.
Current sponsors for the event include McCormick Stevenson, Capitol Integration, R-Squared Solutions, EEI Manufacturing Services, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Chemring Ordnance, Alakai Defense Systems, Shutts, Lockheed Martin, Gulf Coast Underwriters, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, PricewaterhouseCoopers Advisory Services, On Point Defense Technologies, BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards, Embraer Aircraft Holding and Actron Entities, The Boeing Company, Pinellas County Economic Development and the Florida Chamber Foundation.
The event will kick off at 9 a.m. on Feb. 20 at the Orlando Rosen Plaza Hotel.
Expo sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Gene Moran at (616) 951-4688 or [email protected].
The FDCA is a statewide business development and education group for Florida defense and aerospace businesses of all sizes. The FDCA’s goal is to make Florida the premier state where defense and aerospace companies conduct business and create jobs.
To learn more or to register for the Expo, go to fl-dc.com/calendar/6th-annual-fdca-florida-defense-expo. For hotel information and reservations, go to the Rosen Plaza website or call 1-800-627-8258.
Two Women of Power Will Deliver FAMU’s Fall Commencement Speeches
The first female and 117th bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Vashti McKenzie and alumna and Allstate Insurance Executive Cheryl Harris will address Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) fall 2017 graduates. Approximately 630 FAMU graduates will be cheered on by family, friends, faculty, staff, alumni, and other guests during two ceremonies.
Harris will speak on Friday, December 15 at 6 p.m., at the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium. McKenzie will deliver her message in the Lawson Center on Saturday, December 16 at 9 a.m.
Described as an “electrifying preacher,” McKenzie’s historic election in 2000 was the first time in the A.M.E. Church’s 213-year history that a woman had obtained the level of Episcopal office. McKenzie is an author, documentary producer and the presiding prelate of the 10th Episcopal District.
Harris is a graduate of FAMU’s School of Business and Industry and serves on the FAMU Foundation Board of Directors. She oversees Allstate’s Supplier Diversity Program and was recently named one of Black Enterprise’s “Most Powerful Executives in Corporate America” in 2017.
On December 15, the following schools and colleges will confer degrees upon 274 graduates:
- FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
- School of Allied Health
- School of Architecture and Engineering Technology
- School of Business and Industry
- School of the Environment
- School of Nursing
- School of Journalism & Graphic Communication
On December 16, the following colleges will confer degrees upon 357 graduates:
- College of Agriculture and Food Sciences
- College of Education
- College of Law
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- College of Science and Technology
- College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities
Victims’ Rights Advocates Gather at Capitol to Support Marsy’s Law for Florida
MEDIA ADVISORY
WHAT: Marsy’s Law for Florida, a crime victims’ group working to amend the state constitution to provide equal rights for crime victims, will hold a press conference in support of a proposal currently before the Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) that will place equal rights for crime victims on the 2018 general Election ballot.
WHO: CRC Commissioner and Proposal Sponsor Tim Cerio
CRC Commissioner Sen. Darryl Rouson
Florida Council Against Sexual Violence Executive Director Jennifer Dritt
University of Utah Law Professor and Former U.S. Federal Judge and Former U.S. Federal Prosecutor Paul Cassell
Justice Coalition Executive Director Michael Liles
Victims and Victim Advocates
WHEN: 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
WHERE: 4th Floor of the Capitol
In Front of the Senate Chambers
RoadWatch Advisory: I-75 at SR 64 Ramp Changes in Manatee County
I-75 at SR 64/Manatee Avenue Interchange: Construction project: Crews are currently excavating for ponds, widening northbound and southbound I-75, performing bridge work, and constructing the southbound I-75 barrier wall. The Florida Department of Transportation is announcing SR 64 road closures for east and westbound traffic.
- SR 64 CLOSURES – EASTBOUND
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- SR 64 eastbound will be CLOSED through the interchange overnight from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Monday, December 11, and Tuesday, December 12.
A DETOUR will be in effect during the closure. Motorists heading eastbound may use SR 64 eastbound to I-75 southbound; exit at Exit 217 SR 70 and make a left at end of exit ramp; take I-75 northbound to Exit 220B SR 64. Signs will be posted to assist drivers. Motorists are urged to use the detour or to find an alternate route, exercise caution through the construction zone, and to allow additional travel time. - I-75 southbound traffic wanting to exit to eastbound SR 64 should continue to Exit 217 SR 70 and make a left at end of exit ramp; take I-75 northbound to Exit 220B SR 64. Signs will be posted to assist drivers. Closures will be in effect during the overnight hours from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Monday, December 11, and Tuesday, December 12.
- SR 64 eastbound will be CLOSED through the interchange overnight from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Monday, December 11, and Tuesday, December 12.
- SR 64 CLOSURES – EASTBOUND
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- SR 64 westbound will be CLOSED through the interchange overnight from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Wednesday, December 13, and Thursday, December 14. Motorists heading westbound may use SR 64 westbound to I-75 northbound; exit at Exit 224 US 301 and make a right at end of exit ramp; take I-75 southbound to Exit 220 SR 64. Signs will be posted to assist drivers. Motorists are urged to use the detour or to find an alternate route, exercise caution through the construction zone, and to allow additional travel time.
- I-75 northbound traffic wanting to exit to westbound SR 64 should continue to Exit 224 US 301 and make a right at end of exit ramp; take I-75 southbound to Exit 220 SR 64. Signs will be posted to assist drivers. Closures will be in effect during the overnight hours from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Wednesday, December 13, and Thursday, December 14.
- Motorists should expect the I-75 northbound exit (Exit 220A) CLOSED until late Summer 2018 for crews to reconstruct the ramp, weather permitting. Motorists must use Exit 220B to reach eastbound or westbound SR 64/Manatee Avenue.
This project reconstructs the interchange, widens interchange ramps and SR 64, and installs sidewalks and bicycle lanes on SR 64. Variable message signs will be in place to alert drivers that work is underway. Drivers should use caution while traveling in this area. Estimated completion is late 2019. The contractor is Prince Contracting LLC.
Snook harvest seasonal closure in Atlantic starts Dec. 15
The recreational harvest season for snook closes Dec. 15 in Atlantic state and federal waters, including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River, and will remain closed through Jan. 31, 2018, reopening to harvest Feb. 1. Anglers may continue to catch and release snook during the closed season.
Gulf state and federal waters, including Monroe County and Everglades National Park, closed Dec. 1 and will reopen to harvest March 1, 2018.
This and other regular season closures are designed to help protect the species during vulnerable times such as cold weather.
For more information on snook, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Snook.
Florida Department of Education Celebrates Rise in Industry Certifications
Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart today announced that industry certification completions are on the rise. In 2015-16, high school students earned a total of 81,970 industry certifications, and in 2016-17, that number jumped to 102,044.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Today’s great news shows that more of our students are getting prepared for future success. Over the past seven years, we have worked to provide our students with the resources they need to enter the workforce and begin great careers in Florida, and we will continue to do all we can to increase learning and job opportunities for students across our state.”
Education Commissioner Pam Stewart said, “Tomorrow’s work force is sitting in our classrooms today, and it is critical that Florida students are prepared for a successful future. Industry certifications offer Florida students lifelong learning opportunities that will open the door to high-skill, high-demand career opportunities.”
Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities provide students with a school-to-career connection. More than 400,000 Florida students are enrolled in secondary technical education programs.
Career and Adult Education Chancellor Rod Duckworth said, “Career and Technical Education provides students the opportunity to prepare for a career while in high school and move on to further post-secondary education. The Industry Certification component of CTE provides students with a business and industry recognized credential that is another tool in their educational tool box. We are fortunate in Florida that all 67 school districts in the state have CTE programs as part of their educational system.”
There are a number of academic benefits associated with participation in CAPE Industry Certification programs.
- Middle school and high school CAPE participants had higher average GPAs than their non-CAPE counterparts.
- Middle school and high school CAPE participants were less likely to have been chronically absent than their non-CAPE counterparts.
- High school CAPE participants were less likely to have dropped out of school than non-CAPE students.
- Students who earned a certification were more likely to take Advanced Placement or dual enrollment courses than students who did not earn a certification.
- The earning of industry certifications and, in some instances, CAPE participation are correlated with higher student performance among high school students.
CAPE Industry Certifications were earned in the following career clusters: agriculture, food and natural resources; architecture and construction; arts, A/V technology and communications; business, management and administration; education and training; engineering and technology education; health science; hospitality and tourism; information technology; law, public safety and security; manufacturing; and transportation, distribution and logistics. To learn more about Career and Technical Education in Florida, visit the Florida Department of Education’s Career and Technical webpage.
New Traffic Pattern on State Road 434 in Oviedo
Early Tuesday morning, December 12, the newly constructed northbound lane of State Road (S.R.) 434 (N. Central Avenue) from the Cross Seminole Trail to West Broadway Street will be open to motorists.
The work is part of a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) project to widen S.R. 434 between W. Broadway Street and E. Franklin Street.
Access to all businesses will be maintained.
Please note the work schedule may change due to weather or other unexpected conditions. Project updates will be posted to the FDOT’s Central Florida website, www.cflroads.com.
For construction-related questions, please contact the Public Information Coordinator for the project, Alicia Arroyo at 407-482-7813 or [email protected]. Media inquiries should be directed to FDOT Communications Manager Steve Olson at 386-943-5479 or [email protected].
Gov. Scott: Lifetime Sportsman’s License Cost Reduced for Florida Children and Young Adults
Governor Rick Scott signed a proclamation authorizing the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to offer Lifetime Sportsman’s Licenses for Florida children and young adults at a reduced cost. The license currently costs up to $1,000 but from now through Dec. 31st, the price will be reduced by 25 percent for Florida residents who are 17-years-old and younger. The lifetime license covers saltwater and freshwater recreational fishing, hunting and most associated permits. To view the proclamation, click HERE.
Governor Scott said, “Our state’s natural treasures give families all across the state opportunities to spend quality time together, and I’m proud to reduce the cost of the Lifetime Sportsman’s Licenses for Florida’s children and young adults this holiday season. I encourage Florida’s children and young adults to take advantage of this opportunity to spend time enjoying Florida’s great outdoors.”
A Lifetime Sportsman’s License allows fishing and hunting in Florida for the rest of the license holder’s life, even if that person is no longer a resident of the state.
The license may be purchased online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, and at Florida county tax collectors’ offices. Residency must be verified. For more information about a Lifetime Sportsman’s License and this limited time offer, CLICK HERE.
CRC Meeting Schedule Week of December 11-15
MEDIA ADVISORY
The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) noticed the following meeting schedule for the week of December 11-15, 2017. CRC meetings are open to the public and will be livestreamed by The Florida Channel on TheFloridaChannel.org. Members of the public wishing to address CRC committees will be provided an opportunity to speak at the direction of the respective committee chair. Visit flcrc.gov/Committees for additional information on CRC committees.
The Interim Calendar is available on the CRC Calendars Page at flcrc.gov/Meetings/Calendars/2017.
Monday, December 11
- No meetings scheduled.
Tuesday, December 12
- Declaration of Rights Committee, 8:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
- Finance and Taxation Committee, 8:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
- Judicial Committee, 1:00 – 5:00 PM
- Rules Committee, 5:15 – 5:45 PM
Wednesday, December 13
- Ethics and Elections Committee, 8:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
- Legislative Committee, 8:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Thursday, December 14
- General Provisions Committee, 8:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
- Education Committee, 8:30 AM – 12:00 Noon
- Local Government Committee, 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Friday, December 15
- No meetings scheduled.
